BASL vindicated says Ex-Chief Saliya Peiris PC following SC ruling on LG polls

Former Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Saliya Peiris PC has expressed strong approval of the Supreme Court’s recent judgement, which found President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance guilty of infringing on fundamental rights by delaying Local Government elections.

Taking to Facebook, Peiris said this ruling marks only the second time in history that a sitting President has been found to violate such rights. He said it has affirmed the BASL’s long-standing stance against electoral disruptions.

He recalled that on 18 February 2023, the BASL had publicly condemned efforts by the Government to obstruct the Local Government Elections, which were legally mandated to occur before 19 March 2023. 

“The statement of the BASL at that time on the need to respect the people’s right to elections stands fully vindicated by today’s judgment,” he said.

The BASL statement at the time highlighted concerns over several Government actions, including demands from the Government Printer for early release of funds and claims by the Treasury Secretary about a lack of funds, despite a significant budget allocation of Rs. 10 billion for the elections.

Peiris noted that the Supreme Court’s decision validates the BASL’s position. The BASL had warned that any interference with the electoral process would have far-reaching consequences, echoing concerns about the erosion of democratic values and the rule of law.